Here's the next collection of photos from the FotograFIAMO contest. These six were taken by three different photographers, but all have a common theme of having a view of the lake from a vantage point high in the mountains. And every one of these vantage points is part of a well-established and easily hiked trail, making these photos hopefully an inspiration to take your camera and do some trekking. (continue for photos ....)

People sometimes write and ask me which are the best restaurants in Stresa. Of course I cannot answer this; it is completely a matter of personal taste, and in addition, even after all this time, I have not eaten in even a good percentage of them. But for those who would like some sort of rating system by which to guide their restaurant choices, we can look to the highly respected Michelin star system. With its anonymous reviewers and strict criteria, Michelin starred restaurants are few, far between, and worth seeking out. In all of Italy, in the 2011 guide, there were 233 Michelin restaurants; by comparison France had 455, Spain and Portugal combined had 128. Searching around Stresa I was surprised (and pleased!) to discover that within a 20 mile radius from the center of Stresa there are 7 starred Michelin restaurants. In addition, just in Stresa, there are 14 restaurants inside of Michelin recommended hotels and 4 restaurants in Stresa with Michelin awarded 'forks' for charm, ambience and food. Following I list these restaurants, with a link to their Michelin review as well as a link to their own website, if they have one.  (continue for the list ... )

FotografiAMO Neveazzurra!!! That was the name of the photography contest initiated by the Distretto Turistico dei Laghi in late 2011. Within a very short time after the announcement the office was inundated with over 2000 photo entries, submitted by dozens of amateur photographers, of the lake region covered by the Distretto office. Somehow, they managed to select 51 finalists from this bounty, and then 10 winning photographs from those. The choice must have been difficult -- talk about an overabundance of riches!

My friend Filippo at the Distretto office has been so kind to send me over 30 of the finalist and winning images. The ones he sent me, with a few exceptions, focus on the Stresa, Borromeo Gulf, and Mt. Mottarone area. I think I'll post them in a few groups; let's spread out this good thing!  (continue for photos!)

A lovely reader wrote to me a couple of days ago with a very good question regarding transportation. I haven't been able, for some reason, to return a mail to her, and seeing as the question may be pertinent to many and a good addition to the Transportation file, let's address it here. 

Does this make sense to you, if not can you suggest the best way for me to do it without a lot of changing. (continue reading for the answer ...)

Anyone who has read this blog knows where I like to relax here in Stresa. And where I have had countless glasses of wine. And where I'm going to send everyone for aperitivo when they are here. Enoteca al Buscion. And one of the best reasons to go to Buscion? It's owner, Massimo Colla.

Ciao Massimo! Anyone who has read this blog has also heard me mention Massimo many times. Now it's time to hear from Massimo himself. As another season gets underway here in Stresa, Massimo took the time to answer these interview questions for us:

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who is Massimo, and why did you decide to open your bar, Al Buscion?  

I am 35 years old, and I have a grand passion for wines. I left Italy 15 years ago for London, where I worked in a restaurant that had a very large selection of wines, and therefore, I started to dream of one day opening an enoteca. Seven years ago my dream was realized, thanks to my family, when they decided to take over a wine bar in Stresa and they gave it the name al Buscion.

This enoteca is very special, because it is a family-run company, and because we look to establish with our clients a relationship of friendship, making our customers feel like they are at home!! Our clients are a mix of people who live here, those who have vacation homes here in Stresa, and tourists from every part of the world. .... (continued)